NFL Player News

Hoyer is inactive for Sunday's game against the Broncos.

As a result, Jarrett Stidham will back up Cam Newton, who is returning to action Sunday following a one-game absence.

Driskel (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game versus the Patriots, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

Driskel struggled in his lone start against Tampa Bay this year, completing 17 of 30 passes for 176 yards, a touchdown and an interception, while Brett Rypien showed a bit of promise in his Week 4 win over the Jets. With Drew Lock (shoulder) returning to the lineup, Rypien will serve as the backup while Driskel watches the game in street clothes.

Rypien will serve as Drew Lock's backup Sunday against the Patriots, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

Rypien proved enough in his Week 4 start against the Jets, when he completed 19 of 31 passes (61 percent) for 242 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions, to earn the No. 2 quarterback job upon Lock's return to the lineup. Jeff Driskel is inactive as a result. Rypien won't play much this year as long as Lock stays healthy, but his short tryout could keep him in the Broncos' plans moving forward.

Lock (shoulder) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Lock last suited up on Sept. 20, but the postponement of the Broncos' originally-scheduled Week 5 contest to this Sunday has afforded the second-year signal caller the added time he needed to be ready to return to the lineup following a two-game absence. Lock's return, along with that of running back Phillip Lindsay (toe), helps offset the Week 6 unavailability of leading rusher Melvin Gordon (illness) and top tight end Noah Fant (ankle).

Mayfield (chest) is active Week 6 against the Steelers.

Mayfield logged two limited practice sessions this week before suiting up in full Friday, paving the way for his active status despite the designation of "questionable." He'll also have the services of top pass-catching weapons Odell Beckham (illness) and Jarvis Landry (ribs) on hand, which wasn't a guarantee just days ago given both were carrying the questionable tag as well. Mayfield and company will square off against a Pittsburgh defense that tends to bring pressure, but also one that finds itself in the middle of the pack in terms of average fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks through four games in standard scoring formats. In each of those contests, the opposing signal caller has tallied 21 or more fantasy points.

White was promoted to the Jets' active roster from the practice squad Saturday, Ethan Greenberg of the team's official site reports.

White has been elevated to the active roster as an extra player for the second straight game with Sam Darnold (shoulder) unlikely to suit up Sunday. Joe Flacco receives another start, and James Morgan should serve as the top backup option.

Mayfield (chest/ribs) is expected to start Sunday's game at Pittsburgh, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The 25-year-old received the questionable tag after practicing as a full participant Friday, so it doesn't come as a major surprise he's expected to be under center come Sunday. Odell Beckham (illness) is clear of an injury designation and Jarvis Landry (ribs/hip) is questionable, so Mayfield may have his top wideouts while going up against a stout Pittsburgh pass rush.

Lock (shoulder) is expected to start under center Sunday versus the Patriots, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

Lock's status will become official about 90 minutes before Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff, but he has avoided a setback and is good to go. The 2019 second-round pick was serviceable through the first two games, completing 23 of 24 passes (62 percent) for 236 yards and a touchdown. He'll be without both Noah Fant (ankle) and Melvin Gordon (illness) on Sunday, so Jerry Jeudy, Tim Patrick and Phillip Lindsay are expected to be Lock's top targets against the Patriots' sturdy pass defense.

Blough signed with the Lions' active roster Saturday.

Blough was on the Lions' practice squad after getting cut in September, and according to Chris Burke of The Athletic, the Lions made this move because the Cowboys were looking to sign Blough. The Purdue product completed just 54 percent of his passes for 5.7 yards per attempt over five games last year. He will operate as the No. 3 quarterback behind Matthew Stafford and Chase Daniel.

Darnold (right shoulder) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

Darnold had previously been presumed out, but the team has officially listed him as doubtful. That said, Ralph Vacchiano of SNY.tv notes that Darnold hasn't practiced this week and is still ultimately expected to be inactive, with Joe Flacco set to start for a second consecutive week.